Complete Guide to Healthcare in Brno for Expats (2026)

Why Brno is Becoming a Top Destination for Expats

Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, is rapidly gaining popularity among expats thanks to its thriving tech scene, prestigious universities, and lower cost of living compared to Prague. As an expat, navigating the local healthcare system is one of the most important steps to settling in smoothly. This guide provides a clear, practical overview of how to access medical care in Brno in 2026, covering everything from mandatory insurance to finding English-speaking doctors.

Understanding the Czech Healthcare System

The Czech Republic operates a universal healthcare system funded by mandatory public health insurance. This means that once you are insured, most medical treatments are free at the point of care. The system is divided into two main sectors:

• Public health insurance (VZP, OZP, etc.) – covers a wide range of services, including visits to general practitioners, specialists, hospital care, and emergency treatment.
• Private health insurance – typically used by expats who are not yet eligible for public insurance or who prefer additional coverage (e.g., dental, physiotherapy).

As of 2026, all residents—including expats on long-term visas—are required to have health insurance. If you are employed by a Czech company, your employer will automatically enroll you in the public system. If you are self-employed or a student, you must arrange your own insurance.

Mandatory Health Insurance for Expats in Brno

There are two main routes for getting insured in Brno:

1. Public Health Insurance

Public insurance is the most comprehensive and cost-effective option. The monthly contribution is currently 13.5% of your gross salary (half paid by your employer, half deducted from your paycheck). For self-employed individuals, the minimum monthly payment in 2026 is around CZK 2,722 (approximately €110). Students under 26 and children are covered by the state.

To register, you need to visit one of the insurance company branches in Brno. The largest is VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna), located on Benešova Street. Bring your passport, visa/residence permit, and proof of address. The process usually takes 30 minutes, and you will receive a health insurance card within a few weeks.

2. Private Health Insurance

If you are not yet eligible for public insurance (e.g., you are on a short-term assignment or waiting for your visa), you can purchase private insurance from companies like AXA Assistance or Uniqa. These plans vary in price from €50 to €150 per month, depending on coverage. Be aware that private insurance may not cover pre-existing conditions and often requires you to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.

How to Find a Doctor in Brno

Once you have your insurance, you need to register with a general practitioner (GP). This is your first point of contact for any health issue. In Brno, GPs are often called praktický lékař or obvodní lékař. You can choose any GP who is accepting new patients. Many GPs in Brno speak English, especially those located near the city center or the university districts.

To find a doctor, you can ask your employer, fellow expats, or use online directories. A practical tip: check the website lekari-brno.cz (in Czech) which lists available doctors. However, the easiest way to ensure you get an English-speaking doctor is to use our platform—we have a curated list of verified, English-speaking healthcare providers in Brno. Simply search by specialty and location, and you can book an appointment directly.

Specialist Care and Hospitals in Brno

Brno is home to several excellent hospitals and specialist clinics. The main public hospitals are:

• Fakultní nemocnice Brno (University Hospital Brno) – the largest hospital in South Moravia, with a full range of departments, including cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
• Nemocnice Milosrdných bratří (Hospital of the Merciful Brothers) – a smaller hospital with a good reputation for surgery and internal medicine.
• St. Anne's University Hospital – known for its research and specialized care.

To see a specialist, you usually need a referral from your GP (except for gynecologists, dentists, and ophthalmologists). Wait times for non-urgent specialists can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the specialty. For example, a dermatologist appointment might take 1–2 weeks, while an MRI scan could take 2–4 weeks. If you need faster care, you can opt for private clinics, which often have shorter wait times but charge fees (typically CZK 1,000–2,000 per visit).

Emergency Care and Ambulance Services

In case of a medical emergency, dial 155 (ambulance) or 112 (general European emergency number). The operators speak Czech, but they can usually transfer you to an English-speaking dispatcher. If you need to go to an emergency room (ER), head to the nearest hospital. The ER at University Hospital Brno is open 24/7 and has an international patient desk.

Remember that emergency care is covered by public insurance, but if you have private insurance, you may need to pay upfront and claim later. Always carry your insurance card and passport.

Pharmacies and Over-the-Counter Medication

Pharmacies (lékárna) are abundant in Brno. Most are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 19:00, and some are open on weekends. There are also 24-hour pharmacies, such as the one at Česká Street. Prescription medications are generally cheap with public insurance—a typical prescription costs around CZK 30–100 (€1–4). Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or paracetamol are available without a prescription, but stronger painkillers require one.

Pharmacists in Brno often speak English, but it's helpful to know the generic name of the medication you need.

Dental Care in Brno

Dental care is only partially covered by public insurance—basic check-ups and fillings are free, but more complex procedures like crowns, implants, and orthodontics require out-of-pocket payment. Many expats choose to get dental insurance or pay directly. A standard check-up costs around CZK 500–1,000 (€20–40), while a filling is about CZK 1,500–3,000 (€60–120).

In Brno, you can find many modern dental clinics that cater to international patients. Our platform lists several English-speaking dentists who offer transparent pricing and often have same-day appointments.

Maternity and Pediatric Care

If you are expecting a baby or have children, Brno has excellent maternity and pediatric services. Pregnant women are cared for by a gynecologist and midwife, and give birth at one of the city's hospitals—University Hospital Brno is the most popular. The standard stay after a vaginal birth is 3–5 days. Pediatricians (dětský lékař) provide free check-ups and vaccinations for children up to 18 years old. Vaccinations are mandatory in the Czech Republic, so ensure your child's records are up to date.

Mental Health Support

Mental health care is available, but it's important to know that public insurance covers psychiatric consultations, but therapy sessions are often not fully covered. You can find English-speaking psychologists and psychiatrists in Brno through private practices. A typical therapy session costs CZK 1,200–2,000 (€50–80). If you need immediate help, call the Brno crisis line at +420 608 406 406 (available 24/7).

Practical Tips for Expats

• Register with a GP as soon as you have insurance – even if you're healthy, it's essential for referrals and prescriptions.
• Carry your health insurance card at all times – you'll need it for every appointment.
• Learn basic medical Czech phrases – e.g., “Bolí mě tady” (It hurts here) or “Mám horečku” (I have a fever). It will help in emergencies.
• Check if your employer offers a “benefit card” – some companies provide extra health benefits like dental or physiotherapy coverage.
• Use our platform to find English-speaking doctors – we verify that all listed providers speak English and accept international patients, saving you time and stress.

Costs and Budgeting

While public insurance covers most medical needs, you should budget for out-of-pocket expenses. Here's a rough estimate of common costs in Brno in 2026:

• GP visit (without insurance): CZK 800–1,200 (€32–48)
• Specialist visit (private): CZK 1,500–2,500 (€60–100)
• Dental filling: CZK 1,500–3,000 (€60–120)
• Prescription medication: CZK 30–100 (€1–4)
• Physiotherapy session: CZK 800–1,500 (€32–60)

If you have public insurance, you'll only pay for things like dental work, physiotherapy (partially), and over-the-counter drugs.

Final Thoughts

Navigating healthcare in a new country can be overwhelming, but Brno's system is well-organized and accessible. By securing the right insurance, registering with a GP, and knowing where to go for different needs, you'll be well-prepared. And remember, you don't have to do it alone—our platform is here to help you find trusted, English-speaking doctors in Brno, so you can focus on enjoying your new life in this vibrant city. Welcome to Brno!